KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Grease a costly problem to cities and businesses
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Associated Press - August 9, 2009 10:04 AM ET
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Tighter rules on the amount of grease restaurants can release into sewers could be a costly problem for small businesses struggling to make ends meet.
The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority has issued $11,230 in fines to area businesses in the past three years, including a $200 fine to Urbandale restaurant Mama Lacona's.
The restaurant's owner, Jim Lacona, says the cost of the improvements could force him to close.
If the restaurant doesn't make the improvements, the Iowa could risk millions of dollars in federal grants and could face fines.
Local officials say they will be forced to close the restaurant if improvements aren't made.
Installing the grease collectors typically costs about $30,000.
Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com
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